Wherein protesting is the new norm, sea and snow

Hi friends and family! 

We've fallen way behind, but we wanted to share some tidbits from the last few months: As we watched with sadness that in fact Trump was going to be the president, we prepared ourselves to resist!  I have memories of marching with my mother when I was in a stroller (I believe it was a Take Back the Night March) and it felt really important to me to take Melina to Seattle for the Women's March.  It was a huge adventure! We met at Becky's house and then the three of us took the bus to Judkins Park. Melina was a huge trouper and I'm so proud of her for keeping it together for the entire march and even having energy to play at the playground by the Space needle at the end. We amazingly were able to connect with Rob and Elizabeth and Auntie Hallie throughout the march. We were lucky enough to have Pete visiting us in Olympia, so he helped us make signs and then he and Morgan took Elliott to the for the March in Olympia.  Other highlights of the last few months include: Snow in Olympia, snow in the mountains, hiking nearby, and a windy trip to the beach.

Making signs with Pete.  Pete, I love you it so much that whenever you (and Melissa) visit, we just incorporate you seamlessly into whatever craziness or laziness our life happens to to be dishing out to us. We will miss you both so much! But we promise to come visit you in NZ.

Showing off our work.

 

Pete wearing Elliott to the Olympia march.

Baby's first protest. :-)

Meanwhile, in Seattle, on the bus on the way to the march, with many many other pink-hatted people.

We had many, many, many snacks.

We found these guys! Rob had an amazing sign that was an acronym for SCIENCE (I think?) that was so good! I'm sad I didn't get a picture of it.

 

We made it to the space needle!

 Melina at Priest Point Park in Olympia

Brother-Sister bathtime.

Happy boy!

Running running running at the Point Defiance Zoo.

I couldn't resist plucking this photo of Melina wearing the same coat at the same age from the archives. 

Snow!

Making Valentines.

At the Children's Museum.

Magic Melina!

Hiking at Mima Mounds.

Melina's first time meeting Governor Jay Inslee.

Out at the beach!

Mama, Auntie, Joanie, and Kiddos.

Wonderdog Joanie.

Sledding at White Pass!